Alcohol Detox Stages: What Should I Expect?

Alcohol Detox Stages: What Should I Expect?

Long-term drinkers will experience several alcohol detox symptoms after they stop drinking. But what should you expect? Learning about these symptoms will give you the insight you need to avoid wondering whether what you’re experiencing is normal and how long the side effects of quitting drinking will last.

While you’ll likely experience side effects of quitting drinking cold turkey if you’ve been drinking long-term, the truth of the matter is there is no universal experience regarding withdrawal. There are various symptoms people might experience, and these symptoms will range in severity. The symptoms will also vary in regards to when they start and end from person to person.

Knowing what could happen is sometimes the difference between staying clean and picking up the bottle again. Throughout this article, we’ll touch upon the withdrawal symptoms and provide a list of expectations regarding what you can expect when you quit drinking.

If you or a loved one need help pushing through your alcohol detox, please contact our Miami rehab today by calling 1-800-298-1783.

Your call could save a life.

Alcohol Withdrawal Side Effects Summarized

Stage 1: Anxiety & Some Physical Symptoms

During the first detox stage, the person will likely experience some anxiety, sleeping trouble, abdominal pain, and nausea. These symptoms could begin in as few as 8 hours of avoiding liquor.

Stage 2: Physical & Mental Detox Symptoms

Stage 2 can involve the person’s blood pressure becoming elevated. This individual could also experience an increase in body temperature. Their heart rate might become erratic as well. This stage can also include some confusion. These symptoms typically occur between 24 and 72 hours following the individual’s last beverage.

Stage 3: Physical & Mental Detox Symptoms Become More Intense

Throughout Stage 3, the symptoms can become worse. Hallucinations are common, and a fever could intensify this symptom. The person could become agitated during this stage as well. This stage typically begins between 2 and 4 days following the last alcoholic drink.

All of these symptoms will usually begin to fade within 5 to 7 days. Fortunately, the symptoms don’t last forever, and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. While they might seem unbearable now, they are part of the path to a brighter future free of alcohol.

Are you or a loved one suffering from addiction? Is alcohol negatively impacting your life in one way or another? Make the choice now. If you or someone you love need alcohol counseling, please contact us today by calling 1-800-298-1783.

Why Do The Side Effects From Stopping Drinking Happen?

When a person drinks, the brain’s dopamine levels rise. This produces good feelings, and eventually, the body will associate alcohol with increasing dopamine levels. With this being the case, alcohol is capable of improving a person’s self-confidence, boosting their mood, and lowering their inhibitions. But once it begins leaving the person’s bloodstream, the feelings diminish.

People who continuously drink are altering their dopamine levels time and time again. This results in the brain ceasing its production of normal dopamine levels without it. As a result, the person becomes tolerant of over time, and the brain becomes dependent on it for dopamine production. So when the person stops drinking, symptoms occur due to the brain needing time to readjust its dopamine production without the substance.

What To Do While Going Through Withdrawal

As you’re going through the alcohol detox stages, it’s essential to monitor and control any physical symptoms you have until your body is stable. Medical detox followed by inpatient alcohol rehab is often necessary, and this will include using medication to treat various physical symptoms. These symptoms include nausea, seizures, insomnia, and dehydration.

The central nervous system is usually going to feel liquor withdrawal the most. That’s why Benzodiazepines are typically the go-to during alcohol detox. This medication helps people cope with the booze withdrawal symptoms as they happen. But it’s always important to monitor other bodily functions including blood pressure, respiration, body temperature, and heart rate. These are all capable of being monitored and controlled at a rehabilitation center to ensure you have the help you need when it becomes necessary.

Need help coping with alcoholism? Worried about the physical symptoms that’ll come up when you put the bottle down? Take a step towards a better transition of yourself. If you or someone you love need help now, please contact us today by calling 1-800-298-1783.